Town Hall Theatre

Here are some ongoing stage shows that tackle their subject matters in interesting ways.“Lizzie”:The rock musical getting its Bay Area premiere at Ray of Light Theatre in San Francisco turns the story of the 19th-century woman accused of hacking her parents to death (she was later acquitted) into a full-throttle story of a woman’s fighting back against an oppressive, abusive life. Details: Through Oct. 17; $25-$36; http://rayoflighttheatre.com.“Having Cancer is Hilarious”:Megan Timpane’s poignant and funny solo show centers on a 22 year old actress diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Details: Through Nov. 28 at the Marsh San Francisco; $15-$50; www.themarsh.org.“The Mystery of Edwin Drood”:Charles Dickens never finished this tale of love, murder and mystery, so the Tony-winning musical adaptation lets the audience decide how it ends. The show opens at Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre Oct. 3. Details: Through Oct. 24; $29-$32; www.townhalltheatre.com.
–Randy McMullen, Staff